As for the ankheg jaw, it really depends on who buys it. Acid splash is one of those spells that people only use if they really need to (generally because their higher level spells have run out or some such). For a spellcaster a wand is better, and most martial types a going to take out their crossbows or bows instead.

It should give you a one-shot breath weapon attack. Something like a 15-foot cone that does 2d6 acid damage (Reflex DC 13 for half). That makes it more like a less expensive elixir of fire breath but still useful for a martial character or spellcasting character who wants to damage multiple opponents at once.

I hope that makes more sense and addresses Darkjoy’s and your concerns. Given that it does, do you think the ankheg jaw is still underpowered?

The duration for the dwarf fetish should be 1 hour.

It looks like I’ll need to do some follow up work to discuss my design decisions and work up a system for more powerful fetishes. The cost as written would be prohibitively expensive for a “higher tier” of items.

Thanks for all the great comments. I’m glad you enjoyed the article.

Two more things:

The Ankheg fetish is probably not good enough for its cost (even if you followed all the rules for item creation). A wand of acid splash is cheaper and better.

Also what is the duration of the dwarf fetish? I know that most PCs won’t hold onto those temporary hps for long but they should probably still have a duration (like the false life spell).

I really still like the article though.

I think I like the application as a one shot magic item. And even after it has served its purpose, it is still stylish.